The Saints finished the season strong. We, as fans, were definitely provided reasons for optimism heading into this next season. The team had an incredible draft, with only one player, Broughton, not being a contributor (injury.)

The team is almost out if cap hell. In my opinion, it is not unrealistic to reach the playoffs next season with smart off-season moves. If I were GM, this is what I would do:

First order of business would be retaining veteran leaders/FA. I would resign Demarco, cam and foster.

I would find a way to get rid of Ruiz, regardless of cap hit, he has got to go.

I would offer at least a fair market value contract to alontae. If he doesn't take it, I let him walk.

Other than the above listed, I would only resign John Ridgeway and Radunz whereas I believe they are affordable, quality depth pieces.

Of the current available FA I would sign the following:

Guards Tevin Jenkins and Alijah Vera-tucker whereas both players are capable of being quality starters and can play either guard position.

Defensive tackles David onyemata and Teair Tart. I believe both would be upgrades over the current starters and would be affordable veterans to add quality depth at a position where the saints have struggled the last few years.

Running back Tyler Algier whereas I believe he will be amongst the most affordable in free agency and feel strongly his style of play at the position would help the offense more than say Etienne would not to mention it would help in the long run by not spending so much.

TE Cade Otton He would probably be the most expensive add to the team but also probably the best add as far as value and production. The thought of both he and juwan on the field at the same time would be pretty amazing in my opinion.

Linebacker Kaden Ellis This guy has done nothing but produce and be effective since getting opportunity to shine. He is older but still an effective do it all lb who I think would do well with Staley's 3-4 alignment.

Then I would draft see pic

10 comments

  4. If we’re going for skill positions this early, Id swap WR and CB around. Eliminate TE from this and look for an O line addition early.

  6. Also, the draft is geared towards touching up the roster after all the resigning and fa moves mentioned above.

  8. Why do you keep saying “whereas”? I feel like I’m reading a legal document…

    I’ve no objections to your strategy in FA, nor the players you’ve mentioned for OG, DT, LB, and TE. I don’t know that Onyemata or Ellis would have any interest in coming back to NOLA, but who knows? It’s also clear that Moore and Shough are hell bent on running the offense through Juwan, so I don’t know if they’d be willing to splurge on another TE.

    I disagree completely on your pick and commentary for RB though. Tyler is a downhill power runner. We have two of those already, and they are the easiest to find in FA/UDFA. Etienne would be a versatile peice that could provide support to Shough in both phases of the game, and actually create some mismatches every now and then. I’d far prefer Etienne.

    Whereas your draft is concerned, I love the first two picks. I haven’t started researching enough to have much opinion on the picks after that, however. Two DTs in FA and two in the draft seems a bit much, especially with Broughton getting basically his rookie year mulligan next year (I don’t have any real hopes for him and thought it was a terrible pick in the 3rd, but no need to compound it with more DTs), but that’s a minor critique.

  10. I honestly would love Delane or Mccoy as a 1st round pick. CB isn’t talked about a lot but I would be for it.

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